This trip was with my daughter, in search of purchasing a Villa in Bali, with a lot to learn along the way!
9th of September 2022
After a Jetstar flight cancellation the day before, luckily I got another the next day which left Melbourne at 8.00am. So the night before Peter and I stayed at a hotel near the airport, so I could be there three hours before the flight left. The check in line up was at least an hour wait, so lucky to get to the airport early with the wait times.
The flight was quite comical, I had a front row seat, with a spare seat in the middle. How could it not be a good flight??? Behind me what I thought was a cute little boy, as we got into the sky I heard him say “this is absolutely amazing!” Had me feeling warm and fussy to him, until he continually kicked the back of my seat. Then opposite a guy with a booming voice, met his new friends in the seat beside him. He then did not shut up for the whole flight, his whole life history and his amazing recipes shared! No silencing earphones worked, as when we landed I asked the guy sitting beside me had his Bose earphones worked, he laughed and said no!
It was an ahhhh moment to get off the plane, and be greeted by Dewa the Bali Fast track guy. First line up to pay the Visa, quite long and I’m thinking why did I pay for this service! Until we hit the line up for immigration, which was huge. Dewa took me through the disabled line, which was quick. He grabbed my bag for me and took me outside to find a driver, and off to meet Kirstie in Canggu. Traffic to get there out of control. In the seven years since I’ve been back here, it’s grown. So many motorcycles dodging and weaving through the traffic. It’s not like it used to be with families on motor bikes anymore.
Finally after a few texts on the way I met up with Kirstie at our Villa in Canggu, which is gorgeous. A two bedroom and bathroom, pool and outdoor kitchen area Villa. As I was starving after the flight, Kirstie ordered Uber eats (GoJek) delivered in a cane woven cute package. Just what I was craving the real deal, Nasi Gorang, Yummy
After catching up and unpacking, we went for a walk around the area. Kirstie wanted to go to a gallery, so off we went. To the Medium Gallery for the RiZRIZRIZZ, “We need romance in our madness” exhibition.
Funny thing here is yesterday I had lunch with Juppy, Kerry and Jo. Juppy had been teasing me of the lack of art work I had in our home. Juppy had a party years ago with the art theme of erotica. Peter had liked a painting and wanted to buy it, as Juppy would he remembered and stirred me about not buying the erotic art work! So funny the next day I step into this gallery full of it. I had to take photos to send to Juppy, as he would see the funny side of the moment. It’s always places and things that remind you of the times in your life. Then it gets me the way we take for granted at the time the parties or times with friends, family that in a moment will never be again. The last few years have made me much more appreciative of fun time’s with special people in my life! Do Stuff!
Next! I needed a loo badly, so over the road we had a drink at Milk and Madu a nice cafe, with a great kids playground. Note to self to come back here with Nick and Jess. A bit more walking up the road, occasionally going into a shop or two. We went into Milu a restaurant Kirstie had been to previously. It was a picture perfect setting, overlooking green rice fields, we had a cocktail to celebrate being here together!
10th of September 2022
This morning Kirstie had a booking at the coolest place on the beach in Canggu, Times. We scored great seats on the front row of the cafe to people watch, and dogs too! As one dog in front of us peed on a poor girls bean bag on the beach in front of us. Next door to us some European verrrry Cool cats smoking (urrr) owned the dog and didn’t give a shit!
We had a really nice breakfast of Turkish eggs and fruit with a coconut whip. The surf today here was very good and super high tide. The cafe is beside The Lawn, highly recommend!
Next time for a Massage at Spring Spa in Canggu. Lucky for us two people cancelled their couples massage, so in we went on the spot. This place is very popular, as there was quite a few people waiting. It is very classy for Bali, and our massage was Wonderful!
More shopping, walking to a dead end thanks to the ol google bitch! Then I did it! I joined the crazy tourist club, that get on the back of a motor bike in a dress, no helmet with a random driver! Kirstie was proud of the crazy ol lady on a motorbike weaving through heavy traffic, down hills with my eyes closed telling myself how stupid I am! Pure Joy! Back to our villa, with two motorcycle drivers getting a laugh for the day, as I was swearing quite madly all the way Holy Fuck!
We spent a few hours chilling by our private pool, which was super relaxing. Maday our lovely maid called over to do her thing. We had a fun chat with her and checked out her cool aqua coloured retro motorcycle. Now I’m hooked on motorcycle envy!
We went off for a walk up the crazy busy street dodging traffic, as the roads are so narrow. Picked up some groceries then made our way to the cutest tea house come organic grocery/bakery store. We went up stairs to the cafe and had a lovely cup of tea in a glass tiny cup. Very nice, Bokashi
Back to the Villa to chill for a while and get showered and changed for dinner tonight. Sort a taxi out to Casa Tua, once Dandelion. Our welcome crew gorgeous little bunny’s munching on the offerings out the front of the most charming restaurant. The moment you pull up here, it’s old school Bali as I remember thirty years ago. The waiters wear traditional Balinese clothes and are super friendly, wide smiles! Love love love it!!!!
We really enjoyed the food, Balinese vegetable dishes and a delicious Tuna with sambal really nice! 3 cocktails, entrees, mains and desert for two $60 happy days! The toilet here is worth a visit, next level cray cray. Two crazy mannequins in scary masks and crazy stuff on the walls, so much going on in there it’s nightmare material. Of course everyone comes out, grabbing a friend to go back and go into selfie heaven. I sent Kirstie in for a look, she came out a little in disbelief!
11th of September 2022 Sunday
La Brisa Beach Club Market
This morning Kirstie made plans for us to go to La Brisa beach club, to a market there. So we ordered a driver Ketut via the Balinese Uber app. He’s now become our best buddy and won’t leave us! Which is fine as he waited for us to do the market and have breakfast! This market is once again so dam pretty and boho! More of the cool gang, one older lady in particular stood out. She would of been in her eighties, in a Fluro outfit bright pink lipstick and a full on tan. She actually looked like she was living her very best life! There was a sitting area in the middle of the food stalls, one beside us had oysters and champagne.
We walked through the market to the La Brisa beach club and scored a seat, by the beach to watch the world go by. Today I had my first Expresso martini for breakfast, delicious in the most beautiful crystal cocktail glass! Think I might start my day more often with one more often!
Back in the car with our driver to Mynx Hair & Beauty Emporium, which is very pretty. Pedicure and Manicure ✅ off the Bali must do list!
Last stop with our driver Secret Spot Canggu a delicious vegan cafe for lunch. Before walking back to our Villa to chill out! Gojek delivery of Mee Gorang for dinner in the Villa!
12th of September 2022
This morning we walked a different direction towards the beach. Another vegan cafe, Good Mantra Canggu for breakfast, before our walk to the beach. The tide today was very high, and not really that swim-able. We settled on some day beds from Yula a lovely Indonesian ladies business, so off course I chatted with her. Mostly about Covid and how hard it was for the Balinese to survive the pandemic, with only a thirty dollar once off gift from the government! Don’t know how true this is, but did make me feel for them.
We then went and found a blow up lilo to buy and take back to our Villa to chill out and enjoy the serenity. Reading our books and Kirstie doing her research into property buying in Bali.
As it’s so nice chilling here at our Villa, we had our trusty Nasi Gorang again delivered by mr Gojek. Loving this service here in Bali!
13th of September 2022
Today was a hectic, fun day! First breakfast at our favourite little spot Bokashi, the tea house near us. Great coffee and fresh tasting produce.
After breakfast our fabulous driver Ketut – Bonchu picked us up for the drive to Seseh, for our property search. It’s about a half an hour or so drive from Canggu. Seseh has just began building new Villas around the town. It’s very peaceful here, not much traffic and not many shops at all. We got down here an hour before meeting the Estate agent, to get a feel for the area. Our first stop was the beach, which has volcanic black sand here. There was a path there which we went for a walk on, it’s a nice walk around the beach front. While we where walking our driver got talking to a local, telling him we where looking at a villa to buy. The guy happens to know everyone here and off we follow him to look at a villa. This villa was gorgeous, unfortunately out of Kirsties budget. So he thinks of some other Villas being built, and off we go again to check out a building site, this one was going to be nice but a bit far from the beach.
We stopped next at The General Store, in Seseh to meet Ayr the estate agent. The store is new and very stylish, as over the road new stores owned by the same person. It has a Indonesian restaurant, Pizza shop and a shared workspace room, very popular here in Bali.
So onwards to the Villa Kirstie has her heart set on. We checked that out which is in a great spot minutes from the beach and near the shops. Our driver is out the front with the local guy finding another development for us to look at later. Onwards to check out two other villas the same price range, far from this area. They where horrible, I actually gave a high five to the agent for actually being able to sell one. Back on the road back to Seseh to look at the next development our driver found. Another one going to be lovely, but way off the budget and with a super scary land owner! Another funny situation we where in. As it was lunch time the workers where scatted around the site asleep on the floors of bathrooms, walk in robes ect! And dealing with this developer!
By now we need a break to sit and think, Kirstie found a very hip cafe in the middle of no where. It overlooks rice fields, with views to the sea. Very eclectic kind of vibe!
Lunch done, we went off to check out accommodation near Jess and Nicks wedding venue. Bali Beach Glamping, our driver had never seen anything like them, his reaction was priceless. We had a tour of the accommodation options. The glam tents are really nice!
Tanah Lot was our last stop for the day. Peter and I came here about thirty years ago. As today we came here before sunset it was not very busy yet, so it was nice to come back here with Kirstie.
Back to our Villa to chill out before dinner. Kirstie straight in the pool, the best part of having a private Villa. Tonight a short walk down the street to another Vegan cafe for tea, very tasty again. Kirstie does the research, unfortunately just like me! I’m feeling very converted to the Vegan way here, everything tastes so good and healthy. The watermelon on my plate was pickled to taste like tuna, and I have to say it’s good!
14th of September 2022
Woken early as I’m still on Melbourne time, so I’ve caught up on my blog/diary. Kirstie is not feeling well, and has an appointment with someone regarding her next venture. Which she had to cancel, due to Bali Belly! Kirstie had the Gojek App delivery service, drop off some medication for herself. So I’ve walked down the street, checked out a few shops and found some hydration water for Kirstie. Walked up the street again to cancel a spa treatment appointment for Kirstie, then found another over the road for me called K by Karima. Here I had a really good neck and shoulder massage for half an hour. Back to check on the patient before a treatment, which was a little painful and as per usual I get talking to the girl treating me. And a hard luck story, of a broken heart. She found another woman’s hair in his Jocks! I think I must have some kind of tell me your problems kinda face! Or get me in to leave a big tip! Tonight as Kirstie was really suffering from Bali Belly, we ordered in take away and watched Little Women, on Netflix. Loved it!
15th of September 2022
This morning I was up early to pack and walk down the crazy busy street, to get some cash out and grab a coffee from a cute little cafe Lumo. Back to the Villa and Kirstie is really feeling poorly. So we found a doctor to call into on the way to meet the ferry taxi service. Lucky for her she saw a doctor straight away and had an injection to stop the diarrhoea. He did want to give her an iv of fluids, but she is going to try and keep up the fluids. Terrible day for her to transfer by boat to Nusa Lembongan. The boat company was called “Rocky” and that’s exactly what we got all the way over to the island. What a ride, I was saying affirmations the whole way, I am Brave, I am strong and I am f n crazy!!!!! The waves where huge, I had my eyes shut half the time and the other half a Balinese up the front I think maybe was on the spectrum was looking my way, with the craziest face ever!
Arriving on the island again was really rough getting off and my bag fell, smashing glass in it, very embarrassing. Off the boat collecting our bags the rain came bucketing down. Finding a driver for a truck ride to our villa on the opposite side of the island.
We arrived at the gorgeous Sandy Bay Shacks, so shabby chic! The detail in these little Villas is so perfect, Indonesian vibe. With an outside bathroom which I love, and details in the decor, so nice.
By this stage I was starving, so we walked two minutes down the road to the Sandy Bay Beach club, this also is really nice looking into a blue bay in front.
Lunch alone here, as Kirstie was feeling terrible, she went back to our little shack.
Kirstie had made a booking at the Nusa Lembongan Spring Spa, overlooking the Main bay. So another lift back over the other side. Walking into this day spa is wow, next level stunning! As it’s open air, to views across bay, with tranquil music playing and the scent of flowers. Here we both had a Opaplex hair treatment with a neck and shoulder massage. Good lord, it was sooooo good! One of the best blow dries I’ve ever had too! The view while getting your massage here is absolutely postcard picture perfect. Obviously we came out floating, especially while waiting for Kirstie I had my second Gee & Tee ( that’s what they call a G&T here) at the Spring Spa, for the afternoon watching the harbour views.
After our spa session we walked down the path to the Playgrounds surf break, lots of nice beach bars and villas, with a stunning little white sand bay.
Our next stop to try to see a sunset was at The Deck. Happy hour here watching the harbour activity, sipping a delicious cocktail or two! (Me only – Kirsties tummy not quite up to alcohol)
Back to our little Sandy Bay Shack by 7pm, and in bed! Big day today, especially for one girl feeling like crap! Hope tomorrow she feels a whole lot better! This island is just to pretty to feel unwell!
16th of September 2022
After Kirstie having a really bad night, due to her Bali Belly, throwing up half the night. Today is a quiet one! Breakfast included here, so delivered to the room, nice for me not so for Kirst. 9:30am yoga class here, taken by an amazingly fit, flexible Argentinian girl. This girl was absolutely lovely, the way she spoke, took the class making sure everyone was comfortable. ✅loved it, doing my Eat Pray Love week.
We then went a few minutes down the road to the Sandy Bay beach club for the day, spent by the pool.
After our Sandy Bay Club relax, get better day, we headed back to our little Villa. Showered and changed for a drive to Mushroom bay, for a look and for Kirstie to have a swim in the sea. Of course a stop for happy hour drinks overlooking the bay.
Our driver was waiting and then took us to Cloudland for the sunset. Not a great one here tonight but worth the trip out here, a few fireworks going off in the distance. We had dinner here tonight. And back to the Villa by 7:30pm!
17th of September 2022
Unfortunately it’s our last morning here, so up early for a walk to Devils Tears. For Bali it’s a really nice walking path around this area. On to Dreambeach for a morning cup of tea overlooking the beach, very nice!
Back to out little oasis at Sandy Bay for breakfast on the rooftop, once again really nice continental breakfast included. I have to say tropical fruit cut up for you, is extra special!
We where picked up once again in the back of a truck, with a nice English couple here in Bali for a wedding. An hour early for the boat trip back, we filled in the time at a nicer cafe overlooking the bay. Hoping and praying for a smoother ride back across the bay. 🙏
Our next move was to a surf spot, Bingin Beach staying at the Inn Possible Cliff house. From the fast boat, included in the ”Rocky” ticket was a transfer to our hotel. Here we spent a half an hour or so waiting for the hotel guys to carry our bags down the steep descent. Once again on their heads! I didn’t get quite how steep it actually was down and then across the beach and back up the hill to our villa. It’s a workout and a half!
Checked in and off down the beach for lunch at the cool cat cafe on the beach, Kelly’s ! Here a funny thing happened, Kirstie was being seen to a table when the girl I had let pass me, pushed forward and jumped in the seat Kirstie was being lead to, so rude! So upstairs we went with a front row seat to the views of surfers out the front.
We spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach. Then later at our hotel I put my handbag and beach bag down on the bench at the hostel, when a cheeky monkey came and grabbed my bag. I screamed at it, it dropped it, lucky I grabbed it back when some German backpackers came out from their room, wondering what the hell all the noise was! 🐒🙉🙈🙊
Tonight Kirstie made a booking for dinner at the resort called Mu in Bingin, the restaurant was Abracadabra. (Back up the stairs – workout!) The moment you walked in, wow the views of the sunset and a yacht parked right in the middle of the bay, stunning! My favourite Restaurant of the holiday! We had fresh Mahi Mahi, Prawns and Calamari cooked on the bbq, with Veggies from the in-house garden, delicious!
the waitress bought back to show us! No we refrained and did not indulge!
And now for the decent down to Bingin Beach in the dark! And here is the reason I did not drink tonight! It’s tricky at my age or physical condition? Made it back without an attack of the local monkeys, as I was told they sleeping! Thank God 🙏🙏
18th of September 2022
This morning I woke early, due to leaving the curtains open, to try to see the sunrise, no luck. But still beautiful views outside the window to the early morning surfers out the front. The sound of the surf all night was pretty cool too. Downstairs to the communal area for breakfast. If only they said how long we needed to wait, we could of had a swim and come back! Anyway it was worth the wait, coffee was pretty good too!
After breakfast a walk up the beach, then find the perfect spot to chill for the day! People watching for me, mesmerised by the change of bather style in the last few years. (Sounding very old) so many people posing, it was fun to watch! Especially one girl madly doing handstands by the water edge. We had a few dips in the sea here, which was so refreshing, perfect temperature for me! Also we had our Bali fix, buying some brackets off the girls on the beach, and paying for the privilege of an umbrella and beanbags $10 which was worth it!
Tonight we went to Alila resort for dinner at the restaurant called Cire. The resort is definitely stunning upon entering into the front entrance. Here we asked if we could use a shower, the guy on reception was so accommodating. I was ushered into the day spa area and allowed to use the shower, to change for dinner! Kirstie and I had a good giggle, at the situation and how lovely the resort spa bathroom was!
As Kirstie had been here the week before, she took me on a tour of the wedding venue area. Here we bumped into a little green snake! It’s really beautiful here, and can imagine how it would be set up for a wedding.
Next we shared a cocktail, a blue cacao with truffle oil ect, served in a shell dish. It looked incredible on the cocktail menu, but a little disappointed in real life!
We had a lovely last night special dinner. Fish for me and prawns for Kirstie. Funny story here, the prawns came out on a very hot dish. The waiter told us to sit back, then he poured a shot of something alcoholic on the prawns. The plate erupted in flames 🔥 which nearly caught my face on fire, I yelled SHIT! The rest of the people dinning would of certainly heard! Kirstie laughing at the way the waiter told us to get back, lost to me in the language barrier! Can’t take me anywhere! A really lovely last evening of our girls trip in Bali! Once again another Gojek driver back to our hostel at Bingin Beach, to the scary descent, a good reason not to drink to much! No monkeys 🐒
19th of September 2022
Unfortunately the time has come to go home to reality! Last night I drove Kirstie crazy with my snoring! And this morning the Monkeys have come down out of the Jungle, we have visitors we’ve been warned of!
Kirstie booked my mate Ketut (Bonchu) to pick me up for the airport at 8:30am. Trying to get a guy to carry the case up the stairs is challenging, you have to be very patient!
So Bonchu Cool picked us up up the top of the stairs on Bingin at 9am. Kirstie came with me to nearby Ullawatu for Coffee and a quick breakfast. Here we said our goodbyes, as her flight was later in the day. Onwards to the airport for me, lucky I got there early as the line up for Jetstar was very long! Through to customs more of a wait, then onto DutyFree for some last minute buys.
The flight home was kind of funny as the airline crew thought I was with the guy beside me, my age but with a very young Balinese girl. In the end after a few times we laughed and called each other my wife, husband!
In the end of the Villa saga, Kirstie made an offer on the Seseh villa, $15 grand less than asking price, the offer got accepted quickly. Big But, no planning permit, so we sort advice and pulled out of the deal! Learnt a lot along the way and will keep on looking!
